Arsenal Banter Archive January 30 2014

30 Jan 2014 23:34:22
Forgot to put this in my post before, how many of you honestly think we were really in for higuain? IMO when tv said our representatives were in Madrid I reckon they were there to tie up a deal to get ozil, they just used higuain as a smokescreen. I just think it's very coincidental that the moment bale signs for Madrid arsenal sign ozil, I reckon Madrid and arsenal agreed the fee weeks before hand, told Carlo and then he told ozil he weren't in his plans anymore. No bother to me obviously because I think we're got a fantastic player :) just thought I'd throw that out there

30 Jan 2014 23:26:04
With 24 hours to go this is when (all barring two) players could go any which way. Been reading this reporters updates from the mirror about the draxler situation, he seems to believe that the doctor that's been treating him has given him a medical ahead of his arsenal transfer? It's the same doctor that did mesut ozil's medical before his move to arsenal. How much truth in that is unknown but here's hoping lol I think tomorrow there will be a few surprises, no transfer deadline day is without any so I'll be glued to my iPad (s go app) seeing all the latest deals that could/do happen :)
COYG!

30 Jan 2014 19:30:33
ed do you see any deals to be done tomorrow

{Ed013's Note - I think Mr Wenger will pull something out of the bag}

30 Jan 2014 22:55:50
Is it silly season or what?

Let me explain. As much as I agree with the praise that has been heaped upon Man City, I myself posted yesterday that they are an awesome team, I just can't believe the comment Tim Sherwood made today on TV.

Now, I don't expect any praise coming our way from a Tottenham manager but for Sherwood to say "Man city are the best team in the prem league, BY A COUNTRY MILE".

By a country mile?
They have won 1 more game than us.
They have lost 1 more game than us.
Sure, they have scored 23 more goals than us but have conceded 5 more than us.
And they are 1, yes 1, point in front of us.

By a country mile?

Money talks but bulls--t runs marathons, nice double meaning in that one :-)

30 Jan 2014 21:38:36
looking forward to tomorrow, think there will be some new signing, who I don't know but I don't think it will be draxler.that said I would be happy with him.

hope jan window is as good as the august one




ty.1

30 Jan 2014 20:47:06
Hi all. what's with these midfielders that arsenal are going after? I think we will be fine whilst some of the top boys are out. We defiantly need a striker who can bang in the goals every week. Arsne should have offered 50mil for suarez. Bet he's regreting that decision!

The only worry I see is in defence. What happens if Koch and merty get injured? This would be a big issue. Arsne needs to think about buying a few young decent centre backs. What do u think ed? Any news of any defenders? This to me is the area we should be focusing on

We still have vermalen and sagna can cover cb if needs must. I think we'll be okay. In my opinion at least.

30 Jan 2014 20:09:33
Draxler isn't for sale in this window, where does Wenger go. . nowhere

30 Jan 2014 18:44:42
I had to repost this as my last post didn't make sense sorry, bloody iPhone.
BAGGINS. that's ok mate easy mistake to make you were probably reading how many yards Vucinic runs before collapsing 34, 35, 35 LOL.
I wasnt going to get involved with the transfer rumours as the Higuain saga in the summer did my head in. Anyhow what with the World Cup coming up i'm not holding my breath that we can expect any decent players jumping ship and coming to us now. We can only expect desperados at this stage. I would love to be proven wrong mind you.

30 Jan 2014 18:18:00
We haven't looked at our best for a while now, every point seems to hard won apposed to playing the great football we were pre December controlling games in the process.

Is Aaron Ramsey's injury the reason for our below our best performance's or just a coincidence?

I know others have been out at the same time as him but we had plenty of injuries when he was playing but we seem less able to cope with his absence than anyone else.

Before he was injuried Ramsey and Suarez were deemed the best players in the league at that point. Your always going to miss that. Plus his engine, defensive work rate and obviously his goals (and there were a lot of them) your left in no doubt that it ain't coincidence.
Flybo

Yep G62, Ramsey has been a big loss for us since his injury and he could be out for another 4 weeks.

30 Jan 2014 15:55:23
Ed; I read and been hearing that Liverpool are facing competition for the signing of konoplyanka by 2 other premier league teams, are arsenal one of them? because I remember you saying to expect a bid for him from arsenal or something like that.
also are arsenal in talks regarding any other targets other than vucinic? thanks

{Ed027's Note - at the moment it is Liverpool and Spurs, we wouldn't be in for a out an out winger right now, maybe in the summer if Poldi ends up leaving

30 Jan 2014 13:15:36
Hi Eds,

With all the Draxler speculation, Vucinic and now Matuidi, who would you put your money on Arsenal signing? Are you able to confirm as to whether it is media talk or if there is any substance to the stories?

Thanks in Advance.

{Ed027's Note - I don't think any of them are on their way. Vucinic staying according to agent. Draxler too expensive. Matuidu, well the PSG owner said there will be consequences if a club signs Matuidi. Remember he said he'd buy Messi of Barca bought Thiago Silva?

Thank you for your response.

Do you think that we will sign anyone? Surely we have to.

30 Jan 2014 16:36:39
Just seen some interesting comments from Pep. On Kroos he said 'Here today, gone tomorrow'. I know that comment has been largely linked to United's interest in the player but is there any chance our delegation over in Germany may turn to Kroos with the Draxler deal seeming to be stalling? He's a really classy player, he may not have the pace that perhaps Arsene is looking for to be used on the wing as cover. But overall one of the most mature midfielders in the world I think.

He was god awful last night his Shooting is a lot like Guarins & Hulks all power no precision. When he came off Bayern were a different team Pizzaro & Manzukic changed that game. There was no maturity in the way he acted being subbed throwing his gloves at the bench, refusing to shake hands with his boss & heading straight down the tunnel it was pathetic & Pep made the right choice.

30 Jan 2014 15:26:53
Hi,

First post in 2014.

I just read somewhere that Vucinic's agent has made a statement that reads somewhere along the lines that, Vucinic will remain a Juventus player and will not be joining/coming to London during January.

You never know what happens between now and tomorrow night but it doesn't seem too good. I don't really know if Vucinic would have been a good signing although with Bendtner (I still don't like him not would give him an opportunity) and Giroud not a prolific striker, I would be happy to see someone come in! I don't hate Giroud, hold up play is good, just do not think he's top four striking quality.

Kind regards and fingers crossed it turns out to be a good window.

:)

30 Jan 2014 14:37:05
I long for the day when a transfer window can pass without us being linked to Kalou.
Flybo

30 Jan 2014 12:05:52
Draxler
J Boateng
Rodrigo

These 3 signings would give us a huge boost in our title chase.

In reality, I see Draxler & Vucinic (on loan)

30 Jan 2014 11:55:30
Hey guys, just visiting your page from the LFC site. I was going to aim it at Dagenham over there but figured i'd drop in instead! I've always admired Arsenal and the way things are run, much more than the likes of Chelsea and City, and of course United. I was wondering, does it frustrate you guys that all season you seem to have been written off for the title, and it has been portrayed as a two horse race between City and Chelsea, when for the most part you have been top of the table? Everyone has seen Citys quality, and they will be difficult to beat, but Arsenal have been more consistent and played much better football than Chelsea all season, how anyone can put them ahead of Arsenal in the title race is beyond me.

Its similar with us. I have a very old car, which only has a tape player and LW / MW radio, and the only English station I can pick up is Talksh*te (yes I did feel the need to justify why I listen to that crap!), which I end up listening to most mornings on my way to work. Liverpool batter Everton, and all they can talk about is United being 'back' by beating Cardiff at OT. Every time top 4 is mentioned its all about United, bloody Alan Brazil can't deal with not talking about them! Never mind the team who is actually 4th, or the two other teams closer to it, one of which has only lost 3 games all.season!

Anyway, enough of that, congrats on a great season so far, and let's hope we batter you at Anfield ;-)

Cheers Super. My problem with the media isn't that they think Man city and Chavski are more likely to win the league, because I and many others would agree with them. It's more their attitude toward us. Instead of them saying "we're not strong enough and will bottle it" or words to that effect. Wouldn't it be refreshing if they said "Who would have thought they would be in the position they're in at the beginning of the season, and instead of it being a two horse race which could very quickly turn in to a one horse race, we're talking about three." But as Liverpool fans are well aware, that doesn't sell papers, get hits on websites, and phone calls into radio stations presented by shock jocks.
In thie spirit of exchanging olive branches I hope you get fourth. Don't see Everton getting there, and if it's out of you, united or the spurs then I hope you get it.

Why can't we all just get a bong?
Flybo

Hello Super and welcome to the best banter page on the planet, lol.

Yes, I know what you mean mate but, i'm happy for the media/pundits/experts to keep talking about Man City and Chelsea, that way we can just fly in undetected under the radar.

PS, looking forward to our two games, we are going to beat you home and away but please keep popping over to say hi (smiles).

Hey Super,

To answer your question yes it does get frustrating, but what was worse was when then kept going on and on about the AFC 1-3 Villa match.

We were over halfway throught the season and yet sly sports and MOTD spud head Lineker still managed to pop it into evey match and highlights show.

That for me was annoying as by then we had been top for quite some time also.

Yawnnn, yes super the whole football world is against liverpool as normal, god man grow up! Maybe no trophy for 9 years is the reason?
As for liverpool I suggest u look a lot closer to home when mentioning money and clubs like city and Chelsea, ure own club has spunked 100's of millions over the last decade! In fact u are 3rd or 4th in the highest spenders league since the prem began!
So I am happy utd and arsenal have beem beating clubs like yourselfs and chelsea to titles,

30 Jan 2014 23:21:06
That's cool, I mean we all have opinions about our own teams, and we like or dislike various teams for whatever reason, and to be honest I couldn't really care less what other teams supporters think of LFC. I'm not overly impressed with the way LFC has been run since the start of the EPL, although I do think FSG are working hard at putting things right, which is why I have such admiration for Arsenal. I was just pointing out that I think you guys haven't been credited with what you deserve because pundits seem to have written off your chances of the title even though you have barely put a foot wrong. In fact I don't know what more Arsenal could do to get the recognition they deserve. I've clearly hit a nerve, I didn't mean to, my post was actually in support of arsenal so I don't get it really. I should also point out that we won a trophy the season before last.

CTR is a united fan, and had a cold mother growing up. I hope that explains it.
Flybo

30 Jan 2014 10:42:15
what are peoples opinions of flamini?

i feel too many people are giving him stick tbh.

yes it was a stupid 2 footer.
. which he won.
with no violent intent
or harm to the player.

too much was made over that 'technical' sending off

if he DID deserve to be castrated for going in to hard, how comes it hasn't been sooner? he's made 3 or 4 dramatically worse tackles this season, which have looked more violent, yet stayed on the pitch.

He has also made countless 'Yes! Flamini! get in there fella!' kind of challenges which have left people on the floor in disbelief that he a) sent in so hard, and b) won the ball

I think we need to take a closer look at the refereeing decisions this season to get a better answer.

Flamini is and always will be a tough tackling dm, with a hell of a lot of passion to fight for a win.

Referees can't seem to be consistent with by the book refereeing and using their discretion refereeing.
Its impossible to make every ref exactly the same, but surely if you are going to allow 'referee's digression' it should be fairly consistent, kind of like an unwritten house rule book.

should flamini calm down, hell yes. but on the other hand I don't think you can blame him for making a challenge he could of made anywhere and got away with it. he won the ball cleanly, a'lot of refs would play on. also remember, he might be an arsenal old boy but he's still new to the modern prem.

I don't think anyone is blaming Flamini. I am certainly not.

however yesterdays game should give you an indication of how spurs were disallowed a goal, and then had a player sent off, both wrong decisions, which gifted man city the game.

man city have been getting a fair amount of rub on the green. if arsenal were the team to concede it would have counted.

looks like money does solve all problems.

It was a silly tackle and a definite sending off. I adore his attitude, but this rash action will cost the team dearly.

Even though I haven't been one of the people who have critised Flamini on here I completely understand those that have. I totally agree that the consistancy of refs is a joke, but as far as Flamini is concerned the reason why he's come in for so much stick is the sheer STUPIDITY of his challenge. As soon as both your feet are off the floor you are deemed not in control and whether you win the ball or not it will always be or should be deemed as reckless. It was two footed, studs up, high on the ball and a red all day long. I know we're dealing with split second decisions, but any player who goes into a tackle like that deserves a red just for pure stupidity. Sometimes you get reds for intent, and sometimes you get reds for not thinking at all. I put it down to this
Flybo

Hmmm I wonder if u thought the same about Rafaels challenge last week laker?

But what about the fact that it WASNT RECKLESS?

in my memory, going to find it and watch it again, it was a flawless twofooted clean challenge.
(rules dispute that leaving the floor going in high and with two feet, deem a probable reckless challenge I know, however) flamini executed it perfectly, he knew what he was doing, did he knw it was wrong, I don't know, but watch kos doing almost the same thing week in and out albeit a single foot, studs high leaving the ground, colliding with players. in our own box. and they're AMAZING tackles. flamini has the same eye for a hard tackle, just think he's not 100 used to the prem again.

as I said ill watch it again and either apologise, or come back to say 'LOOOK LOOOK SEE told you! flamaini is a sniper!'

He stayed on didn't he CTR? as I said money solves all problems. just slip the ref a fiver :)

Goonerink.
Whether you admire a well timed two footed challenge unfortunately doesn't really matter. The point I'm making is refs don't like them, and in this day and age you just can't do it. Players know or should know this by now so why take the risk of getting a three match ban. If he had gone in with one foot I believe he still would have won the ball and not been suspended.
I do love Kos the boss though!
Flybo

Flybo, the premier league should not turn into the little girls league.

where even a small challenge without common sense is deemed worthy of a red.

danny rose got the ball, but they were debating if dzeko was touched. I mean where has the state of the game reached, when its turned into no touch football.

flamini's challenge was dangerous, (if the player was hurt. YES) did it hurt the player? NO.

if it was a single foot challenge and it broke his leg, would it be only a yellow? Ryan Shawcross did not go in with two feet.

if everything is by the book, then might as well be a commie.

Common sense would be appreciated, and not what MOTD go on to say, they are not the voice of the nation.

tacles be it single, two, no foot, if the player is hurt in the challenge then yes. but if the player basically does not even get a scratch, then its crazy.

it was awhile back I can't remember the game, but the player was sliding to tackle, it was wet, the player had two feet, got the ball and the player, was deemed a red card. So how was the player supposed to stop himself sliding? by applying air brakes? the player who was fouled got up and resumed play within seconds of the foul.

I don't believe that every tackle is to hurt the opposition, but at the same time, I think the game is soo weak, that players from the 80's and 90's must be wondering if indeed its a girls league.

watch some rugby and tell me how brave these millionaires are for playing with a minor broken rib, or a stitch on the eye, and the rugby boys don't get paid millions like footballers.

Rafa should of gone laker everyone said so imo both him and flamini should of got at least 5 game bans, both tackles were horrendous!
Gooner link u win 1st prize for most rose tinted argument of the week mate, well done boy ;-)

Lakerville
Common sense and football being played like it once was is a ship that has long since sailed. Whether you or I like it or not doesn't come in to it I'm afraid. The point I make is if the officials don't like certain challenges sucessful or not, contact or not, injury or not then it doesn't matter. Every player knows if you go in two footed there is a strong possibility your seeing red. So as a player don't give the ref a reason to send you off especially when you haven't even touched someone. I'm not saying I agree with it, but it is what it is and every player knows this.

I'm more likely to compare football with splash then I am Rugby.
Flybo

30 Jan 2014 21:06:44
Mathieu Flamini RED CARD vs Southampton
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVvtEN5XVfo

Re watched it.

1. Flamini barely (if at all) leaves the floor,

2. flamini hardly goes into the challenge, he more just digs in and drops to the floor.

3. the pitch was soaked, easily COULD have been a slip

4. can see the ref disagreeing with his own decision.

5"A two footed tackle made from a short distance away, does not always pose a danger to an opponent, because the ball itself acts as a natural cushion between the players but when the 'two footed' tackle is made from some distance in an uncontrolled manner when attempting to make contact with the ball (or not) - certainly entails a large element of danger to the opponent and that players who use excessive force to make two footed tackles should be sent-off"

Fifa rulebook, not even saying there is aloead of room for interpretation.

Flow chart for decision making on this one;

Is he close to the player on the pitch?
Yes/No
Is he recklessly putting two feet flailing around?
Yes/No
Was there risk of injury to the player?
Yes/No
(more risk to flam. )

6, the ref has to make split second decisions to send a player off or not (fifa's stance officially is its better to keep the game going hence the latest bout of bad calls) then how long before the challenge did flam have to think?

Good post GoonerInk, but he still got a red, and the club won't try and get it recinded because we know we won't win, but if we did try then I think we should use your list.
Flybo

30 Jan 2014 09:58:17
This page is smelling of fear and defeatism today:) lol. As I was the doom monger pre Ozil signing, I think we are doing pretty well. Not playing well, but one point behind City and yet to ply them at home. People seem bracing themselves for pain a it here:). I think, this is where arsenal will step up - if we can sort out injuries.
Don't know if you've seen Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. but it feels like someone is sticking pins voodoo style into dolls. If we can get consistency, if Wenger can sort out his major blind spot on Podolski before it's too late, we still have a very very good team.

30 Jan 2014 04:20:32
Cabaye in. Matuidi out?

29 Jan 2014 23:47:05
My wife is leaving me because of my obsession with horse racing.

She's at the gate>>>>and she's off.

My mane concern is you need to rein these sort of jokes in. They're a bit pony!

Dg dropping jokes like de gea dropping feeble shots ;) keep em coming!

Hey Dagenham;

Not seen you in a while over at the 'POOL page. Any issues? Are you scared we may eat you raw?

Howdie matey? Long time no hear :)

O'seunfunmi (Anfield Red)

Lol, sorry guys, I was bored.

Oseunfunmi, hi mate. I do pop over to the Pool page from time to time, just for a little bit of banter, lol.

Get DG what's to apologize for mate? Popping on to other pages isn't disloyalor anything mate.
I think its great we can share each others opinions, how can we do that if we don't talk

G62, I was apologising for the bad joke lol